01/06/2026
NEWS UPDATE: Public Works Minister Unveils Major Urban Transformation Agenda, Defends Infrastructure Reforms!
The Ministry of Public Works-Republic of Liberia Minister,Hon. Roland L Giddings today in an exclusive interview with Magic Television outlined a bold national infrastructure vision aimed at transforming Liberia’s urban communities through improved accessibility, modern zoning enforcement, expanded road connectivity and enhanced transparency in public project ex*****on.
Addressing critical questions surrounding the Ministry’s ongoing alleyway opening and community intervention projects in areas including Thinker’s Village, Wowins Town, City View Upper and Fendell, the Minister emphasized that the initiative is designed to improve accessibility for emergency response and social service delivery.
According to the Minister, once completed, these interventions will ensure that ambulances, fire trucks and other heavy-duty service vehicles can easily access communities that were previously difficult to reach, significantly improving public safety and service delivery.
On the Ministry’s collaboration with the Monrovia City Corporation and the Liberia Land Authority, the Minister stressed that these partnerships are crucial for effective enforcement of modern zoning regulations and urban planning laws. He noted that Liberia is moving toward a more structured and modernized planning framework that will guide future development across the country.
Responding to public concerns regarding the demolition of illegal structures and possible displacement, the Minister assured residents that the process has been carried out fairly and responsibly. He pointed out that since the demolition exercise began, there has been no major resistance from affected communities, which he said reflects the Ministry’s sincerity and commitment to positively changing Liberia’s landscape.
In a major infrastructure update, the Minister highlighted Liberia’s first-ever overhead bridges currently under construction along Tubman Boulevard as historic projects that will reshape Monrovia’s transportation system.
He extended profound appreciation to the government and people of the People’s Republic of China for providing nearly US$34 million toward the construction of the two overpass bridges, the eastern overpass at the SKD Boulevard junction and the western overpass near the Ministerial Complex. He explained that these projects are specifically intended to ease chronic traffic congestion along the heavily burdened Tubman Boulevard corridor.
The Minister also provided updates on the Mano River Union Road Development Project Phase III, describing it as a strategic regional connectivity initiative. He explained that the highway project connecting Liberia to Côte d’Ivoire through the Cavalla River is nearing a historic milestone, with Côte d’Ivoire having already paved its portion to the border while Liberia advances its approximately 60-kilometer stretch.
He further detailed the Ministry’s road development achievements, citing completed and ongoing paving works extending through Harper City, Karloken, Fish Town in River Gee County, and now progressing from Kelipo to John Davis Town.
Addressing the Ministry’s Sustainable Community Partnership pilot program, the minister indicated that the initiative which introduces grading equipment, alley clearing, drainage maintenance, and solar streetlights directly into communities has the potential to become a nationwide model for community-driven development.
On the issue of transparency and accountability in public infrastructure delivery, the Minister reaffirmed its commitment to open and accountable project implementation to ensure Liberians remain informed about bidding processes, ex*****on standards and project outcomes.
Finally, responding to public debate surrounding salary adjustments for resident engineers, the Minister clarified that many engineers were earning significantly below acceptable levels when he assumed office two years ago.
He stated that the salary increases were implemented in line with President’s directive that quality work deserves fair compensation. The Minister dismissed criticisms surrounding the adjustments, noting that improved compensation has also extended to directors and other key technical staff as part of broader institutional reforms aimed at boosting performance and professionalism within the Ministry.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering meaningful infrastructure development that will modernize Liberia and improve the lives of its citizens.
